Bill > HB1135

This bill modifies the Maryland Clean Water Fund by adding urban forest management as an authorized use of the fund. Currently, the fund supports various water-related activities such as monitoring water discharge, protecting groundwater and surface water, managing sediment control, and handling sewage sludge issues. The bill expands the fund's scope to include urban forest management, which typically involves planning, maintaining, and developing tree cover in urban areas to improve environmental health, reduce urban heat island effects, and enhance water quality. The Maryland Department of the Environment will now be able to use the fund for urban forest management activities, alongside its existing responsibilities. The bill also makes a minor technical change to rename a legislative committee from "Education, Health, and Environmental Affairs" to "Education, Energy, and the Environment." The changes will take effect on October 1, 2025, and the Department will continue to be required to provide an annual report detailing the fund's revenues and expenditures, with a priority on activities related to the Chesapeake Bay's water quality.

Transportation and Infrastructure

https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/HB1135?ys=2025RS